The week between Christmas and New Year’s is always a week of reflection. The eternal optimist in me likes to see the New Year as a new beginning – opportunities, experiences, forward movement. I’m always a little surprised when it sucks – I look at the future in a way that says everything’s on an upswing... something good is coming. I prefer to be the constant optimist. Even when I’m wrong, at least I’m not perpetually miserable.
As this year draws to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on my progress over the past year – maybe it’s the fiction writer in me, but I see themes. This year was one of connecting, and reconnecting. It was coming back into my own in a way I don’t think I’d fully done since having my kids. There was the me before being a mom, and the me after – I’m just coming to the place where they fit together, instead of tucking them both into neat little compartments, only to be dragged out in certain social settings. It was a year of rebuilding old friendships, and finding some new family. All good stuff.
I’ve been sitting here thinking about all of the different compartments in my life, all of the goals not yet met and the ones I’ve been blessed to attain. I’m not doing so bad, and this week is a good one to give thanks. I don’t normally talk about my religious beliefs, but this is a good week to light a candle and give a few prayers of thankfulness, for the guidance, and help, and ear. I don’t have everything I want. I haven’t done all that I mean to. But the game’s not over yet, either, and I feel damn lucky I even get to play.
As I get ready to greet the year yet to come, I’ve decided to spruce up the blog and do some redecorating, I’m not sure how much I like the new colors yet – but hey, I can change it... Like me, the blog’s a work in progress. Out with the old, in with the new... but that’s not really the most appropriate title. I’m purging what no longer fits, is gathering dust on my shelves or taking up space in the closet... and sending what I can on to someone else who can use it. I’m not getting rid of all the old, though, some of it sticks with you forever – and that’s not such a bad thing, either.
I hope you all have a wonderful New Year. What was your theme in 2009? And do you have one for 2010? What are your resolutions and for what do you feel truly blessed?
5 comments:
I do the same thing in the last days of the year---reflect on the year past and set goals for the one to come.
2010 is gonna be tits.
Hi Stephen,
I'll drink to that.
I've decided to make a few changes...I've been eating healthier and getting to the gym more often.
I would like to write more often (as I mentioned in your newer post!)
Update my blog more frequently and keep up with others more
And make more money.
That last one's kind of a long shot, but it's always something to strive for. =0)
Hi Colleen,
I've been popping over to your blog here and there and I loooooove all of your photo shoots!
I wish we lived in the same state, because I would sooo hire you to take photos of the kids (and, you know, my author photo when I finally get around to it).
I actually have a close friend here who's a photographer, too - she does a lot of band photography and she loves it (get paid to hang out with the band and watch them play, how fun?!!) Have you thought of looking for some gigs like that? I'm sure there are tons of authors, actors, and musicians in your neck of the woods.
Well, if I ever make it out to the Chicago area, I'll be thrilled to snap some shots of you and the fam!
I have attempted to break into the band photography thing, but at least in NY most bands don't have much money. They inevitably end up offering me a bunch of CDs as payment...
Actors and models however, I have much better luck with!
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